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Find out what action to take with the GWP calculator

Our GWP calculator makes it extremely easy to find out the GWP value (global warming potential) of the refrigerant used in your equipment.

  • All you have to do is enter the name of the refrigerant you use and how much of it you load into your equipment. You can combine this information with the “leak detection system” and/or “hermetic system” criteria.
  • You will also learn what action you need to take along with the GWP value.
  • The following section explains what the GWP value means.

GWP calculator

The refrigerant has a GWP value Of:
This translates into a CO2 equivalent of: metric tons
Information about the testing cycle:
Regulation (EC) No 1005/2009 has banned the use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons since January 1, 2015. Urgent action is needed!
Your refrigerant has an excessively high GWP value! GWP values have been limited to < 2,500 since 2020 (note labeling requirement). In this range, regular leak testing (every %s months) is mandatory! However, there are many other substances available. You should also consider the use of natural refrigerants (CO2, NH3, hydrocarbons) or, if your equipment needs service, continue operating it with reconditioned refrigerant.
The CO2 equivalent is below the limits that currently require regular leak testing. Nevertheless, as an operator, you should perform regular leak tests and maintenance to avoid risking machine breakdowns.
CO2 equivalent is above the limits. In this range, regular leak testing (every %s months) is mandatory! In addition, there are record-keeping obligations regarding the charge size, the CO2 equivalent and the recycling or reclamation facilities.
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What does the GWP value mean?

GWP stands for “global warming potential”, which is the potential for a substance to contribute to climate change. The GWP value of a refrigerant defines its global warming potential relative to CO₂ (also known as CO₂ equivalent). The value describes the global warming effect over a certain period of time, which for refrigerants is usually 100 years.

The higher the GWP value, the more harmful the corresponding substance is to the climate. A specific example: The CO₂ equivalent of R-134a, a commonly used refrigerant, is 1,430 viewed over a 100-year period. This means that one kilogram of R-134a contributes 1,430 times as much to the greenhouse effect as one kilogram of CO₂ within 100 years after release. The release of 1 kg of R-134a is therefore equivalent to the release of 1,430 kg of CO₂.

The most common fluorinated refrigerants and their GWP:

R-134a = GWP 1,430

R-404a = GWP 3,922

R-407c = GWP 1,774

R-407f = GWP 1,825

R-449a = GWP 1,282

R-410a = GWP 2,088

R-422d = GWP 2,729

R-32 = GWP 675

R-1234yf = GWP 4

For context, here are some alternatives to F-gases and their GWPs (natural refrigerants)

R-744 (CO₂) = GWP 1

R-717 (ammonia) = GWP 0

R-290 (propane) = GWP 3

R-600a (isobutane) = GWP 3

Why is it important to determine the GWP value or the CO₂ equivalent?

Operators of refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump equipment should know the GWP value of the refrigerant used in their equipment. This is also true for service providers who perform maintenance and service work on this equipment. Why? Because the current F-Gas Regulation, which applies throughout Europe, has defined different provisions and prohibitions for refrigerants based on their GWP value and CO₂ equivalent.

In particular, the regulation has set out serious restrictions and tightened other regulations for refrigerants with a GWP value in excess of 2,500 starting on January 1, 2020. Failure to comply with these regulations and prohibitions can have serious consequences, such as a prolonged machine shutdown in the event of a leak.

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